Community News
Wilsonville Board approves purchase of new master water meter
With every trustee in attendance, the Wilsonville board finally agreed to purchase a new master meter and replace the current malfunctioning one.
After several months of discussion, the Wilsonville Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday night to move forward with the purchase of an electronic ultrasonic water meter to replace the malfunctioning master meter that measures water coming from the Gillespie Water Department for distribution to Wilsonville water customers.
Trustee John Veres presented the electronic meter as the most cost effective of three options provided by Rodney Potts, an engineer with Crawford and Associates Engineers. Alternatives included removing, testing and reinstalling the existing Rockwell compound meter that has been in place since the early 1980s, or installing a new compound meter along with a strainer to cut down on water turbulence which apparently contributes to mechanical meters malfunctioning over time. Veres said installing a new compound meter would require building a new pit for the equipment at an estimated cost of $26,000 to $30,000.
The new meter will come from Midwest Municipal Supply, Caseyville, at a cost of $3,000, including installation.
Veres said the ultrasonic meter was the least expensive of the three options and is expected to resolve the ongoing problem
“These (ultrasonic meters) are highly accurate,” he told the board. “Turbulence doesn’t bother them. They are better than any compound meter we could buy.”
The meter itself will be installed externally and will monitor water flow with two electronic probes installed in the water line. Veres said the meter is accurate to 1/16th of a gallon and “can be set to measure reverse flow, so if we ever have a demand for water from Gillespie, it will measure the amount of water that goes back and deduct it from the reading.” Since it is unaffected by turbulence, the village will not have to install strainer baskets in conjunction with the meter. The new meter will be powered by a lithium battery expected to last three years, precluding the need to run electrical power to the site of the meter.
Village trustees also voted unanimously to purchase new SOLUS software at a cost of $2,949 from Advantage Computer, Iola, Kansas, to replace the village’s obsolete water billing software. SOLUS is a product of Jayhawk Software. The purchase price includes $750 for an interface to make the system compatible with a handheld remote meter reading device owned by the village. In addition to the purchase price, the board agreed to pay $499 per year for technical support.
Village President Annetta Veres said the software is so new that it will not be released until next month. She recommended it over an older JUS program available from the same vendor for about $2,500.
This one is more modern and up-to-date
Also related to the village’s water and sewer infrastructure, the board voted unanimously to accept a bid from FloSystems, Troy, replace the motors on pumps at the Liberty Street Lift Station and White Post Lift Station. FloSystems will replace the motors at a cost of $3,950 for the Liberty Street Lift Station and $3,981 for the White Post Lift Station.
CAT TRAPPING ORDINANCE TABLED
Village board members tabled action on ordinance that would have authorized the Ordinance Officer to start trapping feral cats in the community and transferring them to the Macoupin County Animal Control Department. President Veres said she would consult with Animal Control Officer Buzzie Bertagnolli to see if the village could negotiate a reduction in the $75 per cat fee to accept captured cats.
“We have a lot of cats that don’t have owners,” said Ordinance Officer Bob Riemann. “If they don’t have owners, they are considered feral cats. We can trap them, but if we turn them over to the County Animal Control, they charge $75 per animal to take them, and that could get to be expensive.”
In addition to the fee for transferring cats to the Animal Control facility, Riemann said the village would have some expense involved in providing cages, food and water for trapped cats being held by the village prior to transferring them to the custody of the county.
Since the cats are considered feral, or wild, cats, Riemann said animal shelters are reluctant to take them because they are difficult to adopt out to new owners.
INTERNET SERVICE FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Trustee Veres, seconded by David Day, the board voted unanimously to have Madison Communications run an ethernet cable from the modem in the village offices to the Police Department.
President Veres said police officers have been having a hard time getting onto the internet to file reports because the brick wall between the offices interferes with wireless access to the internet. She said Madison will charge $90 to conduct a survey to determine how much wire will be needed and the best way to route it to the Police Department. Labor cost for installing the cable also is $90 per hour with the $90 paid for the survey going toward labor costs. The total cost, she said, should be less than $200.
The alternative would be to purchase a separate service for the Police Department at a cost of $99.95 per month.
“It’s imperative that they have it (internet access),” Day said as he cast his vote to install the cabling.
EARTHLINE MEMORIAL
Mary Jones and Sharon Borgini appeared before the board to weigh-in on a plan discussed last month to move a painting commemorating the Earthline court battle to an outdoor location at the village hall. The painting, depicting a young girl holding and rabbit as she emerges from the gates at the Earthline landfill, became the focus of some controversy in recent months after Trustee Veres reportedly removed it from the Community Center and into storage at the village hall. At the time, Veres said the painting was in danger of falling from the wall and possibly causing injuries, and that some children attending a summer lunch program found the painting “creepy” and somewhat frightening.
Veres proposed a permanent outdoor memorial last month that would include an open-sided shelter for the painting, which would be preserved behind glass.
Resident Mary Jones clarified that the painting was done by Pete Brown of Gillespie, not Jeff Harbaugh as she had originally asserted. She said she had spoken with former Gillespie High School art teacher Morrie Giaudrone, who told her the painting would be likely to fade if displayed in an outdoor setting. Moreover, she said Giaudrone warned that the plywood on which the scene is painted is likely to warp if it is not soon remounted on a wall.
Sharon Borgini said she had a conversation with Brown, who was “shocked that it still existed.” She said Brown or his wife might be recruited to touch up the painting before it is again put on display.
I’d like to get it out of storage and back up where it belongs.
She added that Brown suggested using a curtain to shield the painting during events involving young children as a compromise for those who feel the painting could be frightening for young children.
In a somewhat related matter, Trustee Veres said he is exploring ways to memorialize past Village Presidents who recently have died. He suggested park benches, picnic tables or other amenities dedicated in the name of deceased Village Presidents.
“We’ve had two former mayors pass away in the last two years,” he said. “I think we ought to do something to honor those individuals.”
PROPERTY DONATION
On a motion by Keith Mohr, seconded by Bob Carr, the board voted to accept the donation of a parcel of property in the 100 block of Marcia Street from owner Brian Heyen. Trustee Veres said a village storm sewer runs under the property which limits its use by the property owner.
“You could never build on it because of that storm sewer,” he said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Approved a bid from DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, to provide materials for the village’s annual motor fuel tax oil-and-chip street maintenance program, and approved a list of streets to be oiled.
- Set Saturday, Oct. 15, as a Village-Wide Clean-Up Day during which the city will provide dumpsters for residents to use for the disposal of household refuse. The dumpsters cannot be used for the disposal of tires or electronics. Ultimate Electronic Recycling, Litchfield, however, will be on hand to accept electronic items for recycling. There will be no charge for most items with the exception of televisions or monitors that have picture tubes in them. Tubed monitors up to 27 inches will be accepted for $5, and tubed monitors in excess of 27 inches will be accepted for $10. There is no charge for flat-screen televisions and monitors or other corded electronics.
- Set Trick-or-Treating hours from 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, and Monday, Oct. 31.
- Donated $300 from the Civic Improvement Fund for a children’s Christmas Party set for Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Wilsonville Community Center, and $50 from the General Fund to buy decorations for the annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party.
Comments
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
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Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
